Samford Freshmen Arrive Thursday Aug. 23

Samford University freshmen will arrive Aug. 23 for a series of final orientation events. The new students, expected to number about 730, will constitute the second-largest freshman class in Samford history.

During four days of Connections events, the freshmen will meet in small groups for faculty-led discussion of pre-assigned summer readings and together for a lecture by provost Dr. Brad Creed.

The readings, based on writings of philosophers Martha Nussbaum and Richard John Neuhaus, form a basis to explore Samford's identity and consider why academic and faith missions should matter.

Varied activities will acquaint the freshmen with the campus, their new Birmingham community and area churches. Events include a movie night at the Alabama Theater, an on-campus hoedown, and an ice cream social at Samford president Andrew Westmoreland's home.

The new Samford students will be part of a projected total fall enrollment of about 4,500. Fall semester classes begin Monday, Aug. 27.

The 2007-08 academic year marks the 50-year anniversary of the school's move to Lakeshore Drive in Homewood. From 1887 until 1957 the school was located in the East Lake area of Birmingham. The school was founded as Howard College in Marion, Ala., in 1841.